- The problem
- Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen.
- The risk
- If the lower control arm ball joint loosens, fatigues and separates from the front suspension knuckle, it could cause loss of vehicle control.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts for proper torque. If the ball joint has loosened from the knuckle, both the ball joint and the knuckle will be replaced.
Vehicle safety record
1994 Buick Roadmaster Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 91 complaints about the 1994 Buick Roadmaster with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (20) and the brakes (15). Those complaints describe 11 crashes, 4 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in January 1996 for the lower ball joint. For comparison, the 1993 has 50 and the 1995 has 54.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Roadmaster year, for its age
#52 most complained-about 1994 vehicle
- Complaints
- 91
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 11
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 7
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1994 Buick Roadmaster problems
Share of all 91 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1994 Buick Roadmaster recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- These vehicles fail to conform to fmvss no. 124, "Accelerator control systems." At low temperatures, excessive friction can occur in the accelerator pedal assembly.
- The risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: in the event of a failure of the trottle return spring, if there is excessive friction in the pedal assembly, the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly.
- The problem
- The fuel tank attachment strap fasteners were not properly tightened. The fasteners can completely detach, eventually allowing the fuel tank to sag and the bottom of the tank to strike the roadway.
- The risk
- This can result in a fuel tank leak and fire if the leaking fuel is exposed to a source of ignition.
- The fix
- Dealers will retighten the fuel tank strap fasteners.
- The problem
- Paint on the wheel mounting surfaces can act as a shim between the wheel and the rotor/drum. As the vehicle is driven, the wheel imbeds into the paint, loosening the lug nut and causing a loss of clamp load.
- The risk
- Once clamp load is lost, all tire loads are taken by the wheel studs resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs. This could cause the wheel to separate from the vehicle and could result in a vehicles crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will clean the wheel mounting surfaces for all four wheels. Also, the wheel studs will be inspected for damage and will be replaced as necessary.
- The problem
- The engine oil cooler inlet hose may have been installed too close to the steering gear causing chafing. The chafing can eventually wear through the hose's protective sleeve resulting in engine oil leaking onto the engine.
- The risk
- If this occurs, the oil leak onto the engine can result in an engine compartment fire.
What owners say
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91 complaints about the 1994 Buick Roadmaster
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
Went and filled the fuel tank with fuel , I went about 100 yards to another store , stayed in the store about 30 minutes , when I came out I noticed fuel on the ground on the left side around the fuel tank
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 buick roadmaster. He noticed a small amount of gasoline near the fuel tank. He immediately notified the dealer to have the vehicle inspected and didn't receive a response. He also notified the manufacturer in reference to recall# 94v210000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting), and was informed by a representative that his vin number was excluded. The manufacturer also stated that they would not assume responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
Dt*: the contact stated that on april 10th 2006 the vehicle was taken into an independent auto shop to shemy the front end alignment as well as replace the right inner tire roads and end bushings. Three weeks prior to service while pulling the vehicle into driveway going 5 mph the front end collapsed. The vehicle was taken to independent auto shop who determined it needed to be taken to the dealer. The dealer determined the vehicle was included in a recall pertaining to lower control arm bracket however the manufacturer refuses to make any repairs to vehicle without a cost. No repairs were made.
The consumer was driving 7 mph when the vehicle lost control due to the ball joint dislodging. *Ak the lower ball joint failed due to the nut backing off. The ball joint fell out of the knuckle causing the vehicle to collapse and drag on the ground. (Recall id number : 96v019000) *tc *jb
Upon turning vehicle off key become stuck in the ignition switch. Vehicle was towed to dealership, technician replaced ignition switch. *Ak
I purchased 4 new goodyear tires approximately 3 years ago. While driving on florida tpk on 1/4/04 I could hear a thumping sound from the left front tire. I got off at the next exit to look at tire and I could see that the tread had separated from the tire. We stayed at a local hotel that night and brought the car to a nearby goodyear dealer. He confirmed that it was a tread separation and replaced the tire at a discounted price. He said that he has never seen such a thing on this brand, integrity p225/70r15....
Read the full complaint
I don't have the dot numbe, but the dealer does. Goodyear auto service center 30100 s dixie hwy homestead, fl 33030. The original tires were purchased at pompano tire and auto, pompano beach, fl. While we are disappointed that goodyear did not replace the tire at no cost, we just can't believe that they denied any liability or responsibility for the defect in this tire. If I did not pull off the road when I heard the noise, the tire would have blown at high speed and we could have been killed or killed someone else. When I challanged goodyear they responded with they don't fully replace tires according to their guarentee. I know there have been recalls by goodyear in the past because of this problem with other tire models. Someone should look into this to make sure that it does not happen again or that they recall this model. I've inclosed pictures and a copy of the invoice from the dealer. I had to replace the other fron tire also to have the same tread wear on the front but are fearfull that one of the other tire might develop the same problem. My beef is with goodyear, not the local dealer. He did the best he could bassed on goodyears policy.*Ak
While driving at 65mph right rear tire tread separated while driving. Manufacturer notified. *Ak
Consumer took vehicle to the mechanic for regular oil change, and found out that frame rusted and had a hole. Which was a safety issued. Dealer not notified. *Ak
Consumer states while traveling without any indication vehicle stall. Consumer had vehicle service technician notice temperature gauge needed to be replaced. Please provide further information. Mr
The seat belt on the drivers side doesn't stay clipped. Dealer notified. *Scc
Vehicle jerks when putting it into reverse or drive. Also, when driving 60mph vehicle shakes. Please provide any further information.*Ak
Consumer states undersized connector stud failed causing vehicle to lose all power while driving, dealer inspected vehicle and found stud was melted, dealer replaced the battery positive connector on the under hood fuse box and cleaned the cables and connectors. *Slc
Computer module failed to operate properly, leaving consumer stranded. Dealer has replaced module. Please provide any additional information.*Ak
The spring in the seat belt buckle would not allow the seatbelt to stay fastened, consumer had to purchase the passenger side buckle even though it wasn't needed and is requesting reimbursement for the belt kit. *Slc
Engine stops running with out any pattern... Hot, cold fast,slow. *Ak
Horn won't honk unless steering wheel is straight ahead-always-replaced by dealer once, with no improvement. Gm paid for the part: $600!!! Dangerous! Caprice and fleetwood are the same b body series of gm full-size, rear drive, v-8 vehicles (their last of these)!
Engine is dead when the battery terminal gets hot. Yh
The engine failed while driving due to a melted cable from the battery to a computer that controled the engine. Yh
Our car has been dealer maintained since its purchase. The passenger side ball joint broke as we were slowing to make a turn, thereby escaping personal injury. The dealer which maintains the car stated they have greased the joint with each oil change and the failure was due to previous trauma. However, there has been no damage to any of the wheels (e.G. Hitting a pothole, accident, etc.) Nor has a tire been replaced due to this type of damage. Therefore, we feel the car was built with an inherent safety defect. *Ak
Smelled gasoline. Noticed leakage within inches of the left exhaust pipe. Entire crossframe was wet. Contacted dealer . Dealer discovered that fuel leakage was caused by chafing of fuel lines. *Ak *ml
Factory installed water pump without the bearing seal. This caused coolant leakages and overheating. Engineer inspected original water pump and stated that the bearings were not sealed and should not have failed at 45000 miles. *Ak *ml
While driving consumer tried to use abs brakes, and vehicle would not stop. Vehicle was still moving at about 1mph ,for a mile before actually stopping.*Ak
Front cam oil leak repair 2 times bad front spring replace overheating, replaced thermostat and water pump, to no avail, coolant sensor installed problem solved. Model roadmaster
Horn works part-time. Dealer says "linked to air bag-$603 to fix."Ak
Horn works part-time. Dealer says "linked to airbag-$603 to fix."
Buick Roadmaster: every year compared
All Roadmaster years1994 Buick Roadmaster vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Buick Roadmaster | 91 | 5 | D | |
| 1994 Buick Lesabre | 171 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Buick Regal | 122 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Buick Century | 119 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Buick Skylark | 72 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Buick Park Avenue | 50 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Buick Estate | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1994 Buick Roadmaster
Does the 1994 Buick Roadmaster have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1994 Buick Roadmaster: lower ball joint (January 1996); springs (April 1995); mounting (October 1994); lugs / nuts / bolts / studs (April 1994) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Buick Roadmaster?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (20), brakes (15), engine & cooling (11).
How many complaints has the 1994 Buick Roadmaster had?
91 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 17, 1994 and the latest on June 2, 2019. Of these, 11 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1994 Buick Roadmaster a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 28 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Buick Roadmaster year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Roadmaster years have the most complaints?
1994 (91), 1992 (88), 1996 (55). See every Buick Roadmaster year compared.
What should I do if my 1994 Buick Roadmaster has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data